Disclaimer: i do not own LoM... etc etc etc

Fonts in italic are for character's thought

"Where had you been!?" Angelique asked her brother.

After his sudden departure, he left for a week without informing anyone where he went. When she realized, that her brother was gone, she started to panic but Elazul was still there. So he assured her, that maybe Kain went to Domina to buy something. She, however argued that Kain won't go without telling her where he will go but seeing that there's no point in arguing, she just waited until Kain went home.

"Kain… where are you?" She was alone in home. Elazul had left because she insisted that she will be fine. The kids were away on Geo because Kain made them go to school again. They happily agreed because they missed their old friends and the academy accepted them again because Kain had assured the academy that they would try to behave the best they can and will lower the mischief levels down. So off they went to the academy of magic. Their studies were going well and they will be back after six months of studies for holidays. The next day, Angelique tried to search for her brother but to no avail her searches bear no fruit. The next day was the same as the last, and as the day dragged on, she became more worried because she remembered about the time that Kain was heavily injured and missing for weeks. But when she heard a knock on the door, she sprang through her restlessness, hoping that it was her brother that was knocking and went for the door. So the first question that came to her mind was where had he been?

"Ahhh… Uh… I've been… uh… here and there…." Kain answered sheepishly while scratching his head for answer.

"I don't think that is a good enough answer, Kain…" Angelique glared daggers at her brother. Didn't he know that he had worried her to death?

"Alright, alright. I'll explain everything. I'll tell you everything that you want to know." Kain answered while putting his hands up in the air. After letting him in, they went to the kitchen. Kain made Angelique some refreshment while hearing his stories. He explained his sudden departures to her and answered her question calmly. Although, he cleverly avoided the topic regarding Mimir's Word. He didn't want to tell her that yet. He knew that he should but he wasn't quite prepared for it so he decided to pull it off.

"So because of that mark, mom and dad died." Angelique's question tore Kain's soul.

"Yes" His curt reply only confirmed the truth making it more sterling than ever.

"Then…Then…" Her sentence stopped in the middle. Flow of tears stopped her words, she cried abruptly. The memories of their parents death was still a sore spot for them. Angelique's cries only deepen Kain's agony. He did nothing as she cried knowing that his offer of comfort would only sadden her. After sometime, she stood up and ran to her room. He only let her go, what else could he do, he just revealed to her the murderer of their parents.

"Ange… I wish this doesn't happen at all but maybe you don't need me anymore." Kain thought of this as he walked around home. One hour later, he decided that maybe he should check on his sister. When he knocked on the door, there's no answer other than a muffled sound.

"Ange, can I talk?" Kain said softly. His reply was something like "go away."

"I know that you might hate me now, or even despise me but I have to tell you this. And after I said this you can decide. Ange, I know that this news is a bit of shock… no, a huge shock to you but it was also the same to me. I know that I sound pitiful right now. I know that I might sound like begging for mercy or something but it's not like that. I just wanted to tell you the last bit of things. Just recently, I read something terrifying, a book that dictates the future of all creation. So in order to avoid that future that is written in the book, I will set out on a journey to change it. I will change all the bad things that is going to happen. Or at least, I'll try to make the worst not come true. Maybe, this will be the last time I'll ever talk to you or even saw you. That's why I just wanted to say that I'll always love you. I won't hate you even if you do hate me and this will be my final gift to you and everyone. A future without strive and remorse. A future without a harbinger. A future without your detestable brother. After I have done what I'm set out to do then I too will vanish. I will leave this world. So Ange, goodbye… and tell the kids that I'm sorry. I'll miss you."

After he said this, Kain went to his room and gathered his things. After he had packed all the things that he needed. He finally set out to go.

"…Maybe, this will be the last time I'll ever talk to you or even saw you. That's why I just wanted to say that I'll always love you. I won't hate you even if you do hate me and this will be my final gift to you and everyone. A future without strive and remorse. A future without a harbinger. A future without your detestable brother. After I have done what I'm set out to do then I too will vanish. I will leave this world. So Ange, goodbye… and tell the kids that I'm sorry. I'll miss you."

Kain's voice rang clear into my room. So he wanted to leave. Well, whatever I didn't care. I didn't give a damn if he's leaving. I hate him, I hate him, and I hate him for killing mom and dad. Why did he have to do such a thing? Well, he's right for one thing, I'll live happily without him.

"Will you not miss him?" a voice said.

"I won't miss him."

"Are you sure? He's your brother, you know."

"I don't care if he's my brother. He killed mom and dad."

"But he didn't know until now too, didn't he?"

"I know.. but still.."

"And it was the only thing that he may be bad about. Even that, was indirectly done."

"Yes, but it was a big thing."

"What about the other time? Don't you remember when he took care of you every time you fall sick?"

"I remember that. You don't have to remind me…"

"Then what about the one that you make him worried because of your sudden outburst. Didn't he search for you until he found you?"

"I know, I know but…"

"What about that other time, when you laugh at him for his first mistake. He still forgave you, did he not?"

"Are you just trying to make me feel guilty about this? I'll not change my mind. I don't want him anymore."

"I'm not trying to make you feel guilty. I'm only trying to remind you that he is still your good brother."

"What good is he when he had killed mom and dad?"

"Why do you only see that point blank? Open your eyes! See the whole picture…"

"What is there left to see? He is a murderer."

The voice went quiet for a while, and Angelique was relieved that now she was granted her peace. Although now instead of voice, she's seeing images. Image of when she was still a child, Kain was giving her his toy when she cried. Image of Kain took care of her when she's sick. Image of her and Kain having a funny adventure. More and more image came up to her mind. All of them, reminded all the good time that she had with her brother. And lastly, the image when he protected her when she was almost killed by a monster. This happened a long time ago, when they're still young. Kain saved her numerous time and until now, he'd been a very loving brother.

"Do you see my point now?"

"Uh huh…"

"Well, what are you waiting for? Go! Before it's too late… stop him from leaving. He needed you. He needed a place to belong. Stop him from leaving this world before it's too late."

"You're right." As soon as she said this, she ran down the stairs, and search the house to see if Kain was still there. But as she found no trace of him, she looked out and search the orchard, workshop, and the corral. However, Kain seemed to have vanished.

"No, no… this can't be… NO….!!" Angelique slumped down as lost her footing. She cried and beat the earth around her. For what seemed to be the longest time, she cried until it's just a muffled sound. Then a sudden gust of wind blew the grass. She looked up, there's Skye. He's descending and on top of him, there's Kain looking surprised. As soon as Skye landed, Kain mounted down and stood there silently, avoiding looking at my face.

"Kain….!" I stood up and ran to him and hugged him tightly.

"Ange… what's wrong? Is something hurting you? Are you okay?" Kain asked me in his soothing voice. Then I cried again, I cried loudly in his chest. I cried until I exhausted myself. Kain only comforted me with his hand, he rubbed his hand on my back. He said nothing, but that's okay. As long as he's here, it's okay.

"Ange, are you okay now?" His voice worried. After my treatment to him, how could he still be kind to me. So instead of nodding, I decided to give him my best smile. It may be not the best but it's still a smile not forced but genuine. Kain gave me a small smile in return. I hugged him again.

"Kain, don't leave okay…?" My voice dried up because of crying so much today.

"Why? I thought you don't want me here, anymore…" His voice was a bit restrained. I shook my head and looked at him.

"I did initially but something, something inside me tells me that if you leave then I'll never see you again. Well at first, I don't really care but after it talked sense to me, I realized that I don't want you to leave. So don't leave okay?" I pleaded guiltily.

"Sure… I'll stay. As long as you still want me around, I'll stay." Kain's word brings a relief to my heart. I was content until he delivered his last piece of news.

"Kain, so all of this will happen?" Angelique asked after Kain had explained all the things that he read in Mimir's Word.

"Yes, unless there's something done. It will happen. So I'll do my best to change it." Kain replied as they walk to Green Forest. We wanted to talk to Vadise about things. As soon as we reached the clearing where Sierra and Vadise is seen, we walked closer to them.

"What brings you here?" Sierra's voice boomed in the forest.

"We wish to talk you and Vadise." Kain replied demurely.

"What do you want to talk about?" Vadise smooth voice rang through the clearing.

"The future." Kain answered again.

"The future, are you insane?" Sierra's replied agitatedly.

"Let him talk, Sierra." Vadise intersected gently but full of authority.

"Do you know this mark, Vadise?" Kain showed his gloved hand. He took off the glove and showed Vadise the mark of Ragnarok.

"That's… so you're the bearer. Well, what future do you want to talk about? It is already set." Vadise said surprised but gained her balance soon after.

"The wisdoms had said it. I will not change my future. Rather, the future of those around me. I wanted to change Larc's and Sierra's future." Kain said determined.

"And… how do you suggest that you can do it?" The reply Vadise might be inquisitive of nature but Kain knew that Vadise didn't trust him quite yet.

"Right now, the crimson dragon will rise because his prison is broken and soon The Flame will rise up. This is the turning point, the point, where Larc will be slain by his sister and to avenge his death, Sierra will go to The Flame and killed by Drakonis." Kain stated the future as if he was stating mere fact.

"If it is as you say, then I will forbid Sierra from entering the Underworld for the time being." Vadise said calmly.

"And will Sierra let her brother die?" Kain argued.

"If it is Vadise's wish then I will heed her command." Sierra answered Kain dignifiedly. Hearing this Kain smirked and grinned to his reciprocals.

"I see, then it is decided, you will stay here in the White Forest. Angelique and I will go to The Flame and save Larc." As soon as he said it, he nodded to Angelique and off they went to the Underworld.

"Sierra…, do you wish to go?" Vadise said to Sierra after Kain and Angelique left the clearing.

"I do, but if it is as they said then…" Sierra's sentence trailed in the wind.

"Then we can change it, if you want." Kain's voice sang through the air in the forest.

"What…?! Where are you?" As Sierra shouted surprised, Kain and Angelique materialized in the ground before them again.

"Come on, Sierra. I know that you wanted to save Larc. I also wanted to save him. Larc… Larc wanted to fight alongside you again. So come on…!" Angelique said excitedly. There she saw, Sierra was hesitant, her eyes showing her desire but her body won't move.

"Go Sierra! Go to where your heart desire…" Vadise's word confirmed Sierra's action. Soon she ran to the magic circle that Kain had kept after they materialized.

"Okay… hold on tight. I'll try my best to transport us as close as I can to Drakonis place." Kain said determinedly and grinning wide.

As he chanted, the wind moved encircling them, the leaves danced as the ground glowed below them. Arrays of light enshrouding them before they vanished and leaving only traces of lights. When they materialized, it was the entrance to Drakonis' prison.

"Sorry… this is the best that I can do. It seems to be the magic protecting this place hadn't wear off quite yet." Kain apologized while panting a bit tiredly.

"It's okay, Kain. You saved us the time and energy. Besides, we get warming up exercise now." Angelique said cheerfully.

"Yes, we got company." Sierra said.

"Damn it… just when I thought of taking a little break." Kain said huffing.

"Kain, you rest for awhile. We'll take care of this…" Angelique said dismissively.

"But…" Kain's word was cut by Sierra

"Yes, you need your strength later. Let us take care of this trash." As soon as she said it, the ladies lunged to Hitodama and assaulted it.

"Wow… Sca…ree.., okay. I'll just back you up then." Kain said while he sat down and started chanting.

Sierra danced in the air with her knives. Slicing the Hitodama but it seemed useless against physical attack. Angelique thrust and pierced with her spear. In the background, they heard Kain chanting softly, "Evil piercing light, guide us through this dark times, retain the dimension of time, Testament of Urd." As soon as Kain finished chanting, the monster started to form much better. Its body of flame looked more real and hittable. This enabled Sierra and Angelique fight the Hitodama easily. They finished it off with Air reaver and Cyclone racer. When the body of flame diminished then the gate to Drakonis' prison opened. They entered the room that revealed Larc kneeling down and Drakonis' seemed to torture Larc by lashing some invisible force on him , shedding his bloods on the hot floor of underworld. Larc's cry imminent in his mouth, but they could see that he was writhing in pain.

"Drakonis' stop this madness at once!" Sierra shouted at the top of her lungs. The only thing that came through his mouth was his mad laugh.

"Stop…? How can I stop when this is exactly what Larc's want? He snickered evilly.

"What…?! Lies…! Larc would not succumb to this lunacy!" Sierra raged with fury but still held her ground.

"Did you not know that your brother wants to be as strong as his sister?" Drakonis' sheer laughter was heard in the prison of flame.

"No… Larc answer me, is this true? Is this the reason you've wanted to tell me?" Angelique gasped shocked. As soon as she tried to approach him, Kain grabbed her wrist and stopping her immediately.

"Kain…! Let go!" She strangled but Kain only tightened his grip on her. He shook his head to let her know that it was dangerous.

"No. If I let you go then Drakonis' spell will affect you too. The only thing that we can do is wait." Kain explained to her, he himself was sad by the fact that he can't save Larc but what can he do, he didn't know the nature of the spell. So he didn't know what can cancel it.

"But… if we let him then Larc will… Larc will…" Angelique argued but she knew that it was in vain.

"I know but…" Kain's hesitancy only confirmed that they could do nothing about this.

"Drakonis' prepare to die!" Sierra brandished her knife and pointed it to Drakonis. She then lunged at him and tried to stab him but Larc interfered.

"Larc, what are you doing?" Sierra gasped.

"Stop, sis. This is what I want…" Larc trailed and soon he roared a mighty roar that shocked all of us.

"Behold… this is your brother true desire. To be a strong dragoon and be able to protect his sister." Drakonis laughed as his form faded leaving us alone with a morphing Larc. Larc continued to morph into a centaur as predicted.

"Is it really inevitable? Is fate really unchangeable?" Kain speculated and he hopelessly fought but he knew that if things could be changed then he would have to try his damndest to achieve that change even if he have to risk his live for it.

The battle was intense, as Larc grew larger. It seemed that he lost his mind. He won't respond to any of our calls. He seemed to have lost his sanity, his rationale, and it frustrated them.

"Larc… please stop this! Please stop this madness…. Larc, please…!" Sierra called out as she danced in the heat battle. She tried to Paralyze Larc as much as possible.

"Larc…! Be strong…! I know you're still there, answer us…!" Angelique shouted as she hovered in the air, dodging the attacks Larc gave. The only response they had were Larc's intensified thrusts.

In Kain's mind, a single thought racing in his mind. "Come on, think, think, think, think. Think Kain…! Think! Think of something…1 There must be something… something to undone the spell." When he thought of something, the only things that he conjured were simple protection spells. Spells that will help them in helping Larc, spell that will protect his friends, spell to alter the fate.

Angelique screams of pain awakened Kain from his trance. He saw that his sister was severely hurt.

"Ange!!" Kain rushed to his sister as soon as he saw her fall. When he checked her condition, he found that the cut was not life threatening but it was still dangerous if left unattended.

"I held shield in my left palm and seal in the right. With this mark in the covenant that I drew in the ground and in the air. I took the blessings from the entire world to protect and guard what I hold dear. Blessing of the mana." As he chanted, the ground weaved a pattern of light and he drew the insignia in the air in front of Angelique. Soft light began to engulf around Angelique and enshrouded her in a womb of blue sparkling light. When he had finished casting the spell, he put her down and looked at Larc with woeful glance.

"Sierra…"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry but I don't think that I can't do anything about Larc's condition." Tears had been shed from Kain's eyes. He felt angry at himself for not being able to protect Angelique. He felt angry because he was not able to save Larc.

"I know… It is fine. I know you've done your best."

"All I ask now is for you to stall time."

"All right." Her voice had been indifferent during their conversation but he saw Sierra's hand shook. He didn't know if she shook with anger or with sadness. He watched her back moved as she lunged into Larc and attacked him. Kain knew that he had borrowed time and this was his only chance whether to save Larc or at least offer him a salvation from this savage form. The seven forbidden spells.

"Well, now I will entrust everything on these cards. I hope the lady luck will smile on me." He chanted some ancient verse and the cards that rest from his hands started to move and hovered around him one by one until the very last card were released in the air. Then all the card started to circle around him. He moved his hand to draw another insignia. What he drew was a pattern of constellation. Then the insignia shone dots of light and those dots of light separated and fly to the cards making them glowed with light. Then he pointed to a card and it moved up. The rest of the cards still continue to circle around him and he picked another. Then for what seemed a long interval he picked nothing. Sierra watched him wearily, her strength was draining away.

"Kain… hurry… I can't hold on much longer…." Her voice rang with tiredness and impatience to end all of this.

"I don't care what the results are just please end this quickly…!" as she finished her words Kain picked another card then all the other card dropped to the ground. The lights gathered around those three cards and Kain started to chant again. Gust of wind cut the air around him and the light started to glow brighter.

"I read my destiny within the stars and entrust my fate within its path. And I saw a path of carnage and sanctimony on it. I read and tread within this time and dare to alter it by moving the stars to abide to my will. Heaven's Law." Then the cards started to change its face. From the faceless card, it turned to pictures and there read, the hanged man, the magician, and the death reversed. These three cards then flew straight to Larc and pierced him. He roared as if he had been struck by a thousand blades instead of thin slice of card. All was calm and everything ceased. Sierra had retreated near Angelique and helped her to sit. Kain stood there unmoved then he fell down like a timber that had been cut down by a mighty logger. Angelique voiced her distress but her body won't let her move.

"Kain… please… don't die… "She was unconscious then her weak constitution won't let her stay awake for long. After making sure that Angelique was fine, Sierra saw a strange thing. Her brother, who had been a centaur glowed a translucent red light, his body disintegrated into light sparks. She shed her tears, when she saw this but her sadness was not allowed to encompass her fully yet when the red light began to assemble into a form. A form of a body. When the light diminished, she saw Larc in his normal state.

"Larc, at least Kain returned you to what you are. He had offered you, honor. Rest well, brother. Be at peace. Know that your sister will avenge you." Sierra smiled a little when she saw her brother's body. A sad smile but there's no regret in it. Then she saw something magnificent, both Larc and Kain moved and opened their eyes. One stand up, one stayed still. She couldn't help but wonder.

"What in the Goddess' name happened?"

Getting intense, eh... Do continue the reading... :D